Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Chapter 498 This treatment has never been seen before

"Qing'er, although you come from a background of martial arts, you are now a member of the Duke's mansion. Your words and actions in the future will involve the Duke's mansion, and it will not be just your business alone."

Therefore, some things should not be said carelessly.

Consort Yu reminded her, "You can no longer act as recklessly as you did when you were wandering the martial world, saying whatever you wanted, understand?"

"I understand." Huo Qing also realized that she had misspoke.

She just felt sorry for Lu Beimo.

What a fine man! Wherever the people need him, he goes; whatever the people need him to do, he will do it with his life on the line.

When the country is stable and the people need him to rest, even going home will arouse suspicion.

"It's lonely at the top." Consort Yu sighed softly. "Perhaps sometimes you have to understand the difficulties and helplessness of those in power. They have their own worries and they will weigh things for themselves."

Huo Qing didn't say anything.

She wasn't as magnanimous as her senior sister, who always considered others. She just felt that the emperor was cunning and shrewd, cautious and careful in everything he did, even guarding against his own son and sometimes even using him.

Such a person probably won't receive much genuine warmth.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived." Granny Ji rushed in from outside.

Consort Yu and Huo Qing were taken aback. Just as they stood up, they heard Eunuch An's voice from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!"

"Senior sister, then... I'll go hide for a while." Huo Qing wanted to go to the inner room to hide.

Yu Fei, however, took her hand and said with a smile, "He's not a man-eating tiger. Go ahead and meet him. You and I are fellow disciples, so once we've established a proper relationship, everything will be fine."

Huo Qing had absolutely no desire to see the old emperor. She disliked these so-called palace rules the most; they were incredibly annoying.

But there was nothing they could do; the Emperor had already entered.

Consort Yu pulled Huo Qing to greet them.

After the group paid their respects, the Emperor's gaze fell on Huo Qing: "Isn't this Lady Qing from the Duke's Mansion? Why is she here as well?"

On the day of the autumn hunt, the Emperor was particularly impressed by Huo Qing.

Before she and Chu Jia Sanlang were to be married, Chu Jia Sanlang died on the battlefield. Afterwards, she lived alone for many years, but she always remained deeply in love with Chu Jia Sanlang.

Their unwavering devotion is truly admirable.

However, what left a particularly deep impression on the Emperor was Huo Qing's rapid-fire shooting.

The speed was astonishing!

The Emperor, who had conquered the country on horseback, always respected capable people. Lady Qing's three consecutive shots were so fast that even he couldn't see how she made them.

Huo Qing was actually extremely reluctant to deal with royalty and nobility, but as her senior sister had just said, she was now representing the Duke's Mansion.

Even if unwilling, one could only bite the bullet and respectfully say, "Today I..."

As if reminded by Consort Yu beside her, Huo Qing also remembered something and quickly changed her words: "This concubine... When I met Consort Yu today, I found that we were old acquaintances. I was so excited that I followed her to the palace for a visit."

"Qing'er is my fellow disciple," Consort Yu explained.

The Emperor looked at Huo Qing and suddenly laughed loudly: "I've heard that Lady Qing comes from a Jianghu woman background? In that case, there's no need to be so reserved in front of me. That 'I am your concubine' thing sounds convoluted to me, and it's awkward for me to hear. From now on, I will allow you to be exempt from palace etiquette in front of me."

Are we not required to observe palace etiquette?

Yu Fei and Huo Qing exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of astonishment.

This treatment... none of the many women in the harem have ever received it!